Ezra is a name of Hebrew origin that means ‘help’ or ‘helper’. The name dates back as far as the Bible and has come to carry a positive and uplifting meaning, reflecting a sense of support or guidance.
Derived from the Hebrew name Azaryahu, which means ‘God protects’ or ‘God helps’, the name is most often associated with a Biblical priest. In the bible, Ezra was a Jewish priest who helped a group of exiled Jews back to Israel, escaping their captivity in Babylon.
The name has traditionally been used as a masculine name, but it can be used for baby girls too. Popular feminine variations of Ezra include Esra and Ezri.
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Name Meaning: Protect, aid, or help
- Pronunciation: Ez – Rah
- Gender: Male
How Popular is the Name Ezra?
Ezra is a Biblical name that has been growing in popularity in the United States. According to statistics recorded by the Social Security Administration, since the start of the 20th century, the name has remained in the top 1000 most popular boys’ names.
Over the last decade, the name has soared in popularity with 7365 baby boys being given this name in 2021, when it was recorded as the 37th most popular boy’s name. Ezra remains a rare choice for baby girls, and in 2021 the name ranked at #714.
Name Variations
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Azra | Pure | Hebrew |
| Azaryahu | God protects / God helps | Hebrew |
| Esra | Travel at night | Turkish |
| Ezera | Helper | Hebrew |
| Ezrah | A helpful person | Hebrew |
Other Hebrew Boy Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Daniel | A prophet |
| Gabriel | God is my strength |
| Jacob | Supplanter / Holder of heel |
| Abie | Father of many |
| Benjamin | Son of the South |
| Cane | One who has a spear |
| Davyd | A lovely human being |
Alternative Boys Names Starting with ‘E’
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
| Ethan | Strong / Firm | Hebrew |
| Eli | Defender of man | Greek |
| Edward | Rich guard | Old English |
| Emmanuel | God is with us | Hebrew |
| Eric | Forever ruler | Norse |
| Easton | From East town | English |
| Evan | God is gracious | Welsh |
Famous People Named Ezra
- Ezra Pound – American poet
- Ezra Miller – American actor
- Ezra Koenig – American musician from the band Vampire Weekend
- Ezra Taft Benson – American republican politician
- Ezra Sosa – American dancer